Cybersecurity Education Expands into Local Classrooms

Western Washington University's Dr. Hanxiang Du and Cyber Range Academic Liaison Angela Henderson are bringing hands-on cybersecurity education from the university classroom into regional public schools through SCED 205 – Introduction to Computing Education, a course that prepares future educators to teach computer science and cybersecurity concepts using systems thinking and accessible, “unplugged” learning strategies. In partnership with Whatcom Middle School's STEM teacher Kristen Schlegel, SCED 205 is strengthening connections between university coursework and local middle school STEM learning.

This year, SCED 205 includes 10 students who are learning how to design and facilitate computer science learning experiences for K–12 audiences. In a recent outreach visit to Whatcom Middle School, the class led interactive cybersecurity activities with Schlegel's three classrooms, two 8th-grade classes and one 7th-grade class. The lessons blended systems awareness with foundational cybersecurity concepts, using unplugged activities that introduce students to digital safety and problem-solving without requiring computers.

The middle school students responded with enthusiasm, and the university students reported feeling energized and motivated by the experience of teaching in real classrooms.

Later this month, the SCED 205 class will expand its outreach by attending BSides Seattle, where they will facilitate additional cybersecurity workshops for K–12 students. The initiative highlights a growing partnership between WWU’s Cyber Range Poulsbo, university faculty, teacher candidates, and local schools to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and computer science education across the region.

For more information about dually appointed Dr. Hanxiang Du (Department of Computer Science and the SMATE Program), please visit Dr. Hanxiang Du's website.